The Community Household Evaluation of Acute Respiratory Infections in Under-5-year Children in 2005, Thailand - การประเมินผลการป้องกันควบคุมโรคติดเชื้อเฉียบพลัน ระบบหายใจในเด็กอายุต่ำกว่า 5 ปี ในชุมชน ปี 2548

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey research was carried out with an objective of evaluation and control in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in under-5-year children in communities. Based on a multistage sampling technique, child-caretakers were recruited 13,383 and interviewed during March 1 - April 30, 2005. It was found that only 48 percent of the sample had proper knowledge on danger signs of ARIs in children and, hence, the program target of 85 percent was not met. Moreover, 5.4 percent of the subjects had correct behaviors on ARIs prevention. Last two weeks before the interview there were 2,253 children reportedly with acute respiratory infections (2,150 children with common cold and 103 children with pneumonia.) Yet only 57.1 percent of children with common cold received appropriate home care, however it was still below the target (85 percent). Antibiotic over use in common cold was 50.2 percent. National program should promoted health education for child-caretakers. Further studies should be emphasized on qualitative research of how to prevent the disease and strengthen home care for children with acute respiratory infections.